Local trade supplier of hub caps and trims

Independent garages, body shops, tyre fitters and small parts retailers that don't want to wait for national deliveries.

Trade prices with a margin on each item, plus repeat orders from regular accounts and a delivery charge on small orders.

• Building trade relationships
• Stock control and ordering
• Reliable local driving and delivery

• Tied-up cash in slow-moving stock, so start with the most common sizes
• Business-use vehicle insurance for deliveries
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Storage rules for a unit or home garage, check your lease and local council planning rules
• Trademark rules on branded caps, avoid counterfeit stock
• Late payment from trade customers, agree terms up front

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the stock you hold, your storage unit or garage, and vehicle and insurance needs. Start with the most common sizes to avoid cash tied up in slow-moving stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many trade customers you win and the stock you carry. Plan for at least 15 hours a week. Agree payment terms up front to manage late payment.

Check business-use vehicle insurance for deliveries, plus public liability and product liability insurance. Also check storage rules for a unit or home garage with your lease and local council, and trademark rules on branded caps.